The present study undertook the identification of soccer-midfielder's performance requirements, further collecting such data as would allow for the accurate articulation of performance subcomponents. …

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The aforementioned intervention program was comprised of relaxation, imagery and self-talk on position specific performance measures. Using a multiple-baseline across individuals design, five participants had three performance subcomponents assessed across nine competitive matches. The results of the study indicated the position specific intervention to enable at least small improvements on the three dependent variables for each participant. Social validation data indicated all participants to perceive the intervention as being successful and appropriate to their needs. Following a discursive analysis of the data, the research findings are presented. The findings provide further evidence to suggest the efficacy of sport, and position-specific interventions.

Despite interest in applied psychology, evidenced in the increase in the studies examining the efficacy of psychological skills on sporting performance (e.g., Patrick & Hrycaiko, 1998; Rogerson & Hrycaiko, 2002; Thelwell & Greenlees, 2003), knowledge remains limited. Limitation has been determined by the scarcity of studies on the efficacy of psychological skills within an open skilled, team sport setting (Kendall, Hrycaiko, Martin, & Kendall, 1990; McPherson, 2000). Consequently, the present study sought to address the aforementioned shortcoming through the articulation of a role specific intervention for soccer midfielders, while examining the intervention's efficacy on role specific subcomponents, such as the execution of successful tackles, the completion of successful passes, and ability to control the ball (Luongo, 1996).
Of the few studies which have examined the pertinence of psychological skills to sporting performance, only a minority has examined performance sub-components. Using a multiple-baseline design across subjects, Swain and Jones (1995) applied a goal setting intervention targeting specific basketball subcomponents. Each participant's performance subcomponents were assessed through the first half of the competitive season. Mid-season, participants were requested to select one performance subcomponent which they perceived beneficial to improvement. Using goal setting approaches to the targeted behavior, 3 of the 4 participants experienced improvement in their targeted area. No changes were evident in non-targeted behaviors. The practical implication was that while psychological skills benefit performance, performers cannot transfer acquired skills to alternative situations without understanding the how and why of their targeted utilization.
Identification of the varying requirements of soccer midfielders is prerequisite to the utilization of psychological skills intervention. A primary requirement is the ability to cover great distances within 90-minutes, as supported by numerous scientific studies (e.g., Reilly, 1996; Rienzi, Drust, Reilly, Carter & Martin, 2000). Studies on elite English Premier League midfield soccer players confirm the necessity of the capacity to run approximately 12,000m per match (Strudwick & Reilly, 2001)., consequent to midfielders being required to both link the defensive and forward and act as both offensive and defensive when, and as, required. A soccer midfielder is further required to carry out complex motor skills, to possess finely tuned perceptual skills and to have advanced decision-making skills. As activity is prolonged, fatigue sets in and skill command becomes difficult (Taylor, 1995).
The exigencies of exploring relaxation
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Long- term athlete development (LTAD) focuses on the best practice in development of players at every level. Professional sports clubs invest heavily in talent identification and development; the United Kingdom uses LTAD to develop skills.

Elite sport includes hard training, where high-quality performance is expected. Those involved in it undertake it as a full-time job and it depends on the systems and resources available to the athlete. Elite sports are highly organized and competitive which requires professional skills and exertion.

An efficiently designed program can change ones mental skill by the use of learning and repetition. The brain always learns new things and strong mental skills can be achieved with practice. This can improve the way sports are played and exercise performance.

It primarily involves the provision of an evaluative feedback and comments that aim at helping the performer(s)/ team in bringing a positive change in performance.
Performance Analysis involves a series of systematic insights that range from the observation of a coach in training sessions and the competition arenas to the critical analysis of the former greats in the field, response of the spectators, commentators and newscasters.

This makes it difficult to implement it in an institution. This is because it will meet rejection because people are so good at resisting change.
When offering criticism, have courtesy in the manner you approach

But what exactly makes soccer so special? What is the key to its huge popularity?
To do so let’s put it backwards and find out what haters think about the game. Some say it’s too long and boring. Others say this is just a bunch of

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